Ban on wild animals in circus 'will not apply in Scotland'

PLANS to outlaw the use of wild animals in circuses in England and Wales will not be adopted north of the Border, the Scottish Government has said.

Ministers in Westminster have indicated they will take steps to prohibit the use of animals such as lions and tigers in the big top after 94 per cent of the thousands of people who responded to a public consultation backed a total ban.

A further 95.5 per cent did not think there were any species of wild animal which could acceptably be used in circuses.

However, a Scottish Government spokesman said: "There are currently no circuses which use wild animals based in Scotland. There are no plans to undertake a similar consultation.

"The findings of the Circus Working Group concluded that there was insufficient scientific evidence to justify a ban on wild animals in travelling circuses."

Jim Fitzpatrick, the UK's animal welfare minister, said: "I agree with the clear view emerging from the huge response to the government's consultation that keeping wild animals to perform in travelling circuses is no longer acceptable.

"So I am minded to pursue a ban on the use of these animals in circuses."

More than four in five respondents said they wanted to see former circus animals rehomed in zoos or sanctuaries.

He added: "We also want to make sure that circus animals are well looked after once they stop performing.

"Nobody wants to see them simply destroyed, and we will work with all concerned to secure a future for these animals."

The British Veterinary Association welcomed the announcement. "Although it only affects a small number of animals at present, the BVA's Ethics and Welfare Group felt their needs and those of future animals could not be adequately met by the environmental conditions of a travelling circus," Professor Bill Reilly, the BVA president, said.